Saltwater Sounds: Anchored Between Home and Adventure

Welcome To This Week’s Saltwater Sounds…

A collection of ideas, tips, and inspiration. Here, I share everything happening in the world of Shiplap and Shells, what to look forward to on the blog, and the inspiration I’ve found throughout the week.

Happy Sunday!

Day 36 of our boat trip is here, and while the air is a little cooler, the weather has been absolutely beautiful. We’re soaking up every bit of it as summer slowly drifts into fall.

Life aboard Wildflower has a rhythm now, the kind that makes the boat feel every bit like home. And yet, around every bend in the coastline, there’s something new to see, someplace new to explore.

That mix of home and adventure is what I love most about this journey.

I’ve truly been having the best time out here—relaxing, exploring, and soaking up these days with my hubby and our boys, Jax and Ollie. There’s nothing quite like life on the water, and I’m so grateful for this adventure.

But I’ll admit, there’s another side of me, the homebody part, that’s starting to feel a little homesick.

I miss my garden, my friends (you know who you are 💛), and of course our little beach cottage that’s patiently waiting for a fall refresh. I’m also itching to dive back into the blog with some fresh ideas once we’re home.

fall garden

I’m incredibly thankful for the wonderful person who looks after our house and garden while we’re gone. I honestly don’t know how we’d manage to be away for so long without her.

Knowing everything is in such good hands makes these trips possible, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

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boat cockpit with sunflowers on the table and black dog walking

We’ve had some wonderful meals on our boat.

boat cockpit with table of sunflowers and outdoor furniture

Eating on the boat is almost always more enjoyable than at a restaurant, especially with the waterfront view.

cooked clams in bowl

My hubby went to the beach and got clams and oysters, which were fabulous.

boat cockpit with table of sunflowers and food and outdoor furniture

The tomatoes, basil, and sunflowers were from a roadside farm stand we found one day.

Montague Harbour Marina

Our first stop this week was Montague Harbour on Galiano Island. This is our second time anchoring here, and it’s such a treat!

We took our tender to the Montague Marina with our e-bikes in tow.

bike riding

It’s so much fun spending the day riding around and exploring here since there isn’t much traffic on the roads like the other towns we’ve explored.

Hummingbird pub on Galiano Island

The Hummingbird Pub is a favorite and is usually very busy during the summer.

It’s a great place to have a drink and take a rest from bike riding.

Montague Harbour marina dock

We also discovered a great place at the marina for dinner. The Crane and Robin is an outdoor restaurant that is open for the summer and has amazing food.

You can see the seating above where the sunshades and umbrellas are to the left.

The last day of their 2025 season will be Sunday, September 14th, so we were fortunate to experience dining there.

Montague Harbour dock

We found the perfect spot to walk the boys. The stairs take you to a campground, which was really nice.

Montague Harbour

We also thought this little beach area would be a good place to sit for a bit and enjoy the view.

black dog just going for a swim on the beach

Jax decided that he didn’t want to sit, so he took a swim instead.

boat on the water in Tod Inlet

Next, we anchored in Tod Inlet, tucked behind the famous Butchart Gardens.

Tod Inlet with boats in anchor

This spot is one of my favorites. It’s quiet, surrounded by forest, and just feels magical.

Tomorrow, I’ll be heading into the gardens themselves with my camera in hand, and I can’t wait to share all the photos with you in next week’s post.

Antique and Vintage Shopping

Everything Old Canada antique store

We stumbled across Everything Old Canada last year, and it was love at first sight. This might just be my favorite spot for vintage treasures.

Everything Old Canada antique store

They do such a wonderful job merchandising—tables, shelves, and cubbies are all styled in a way that makes it easy (and so fun) to see everything. It’s one of those shops you could wander through for hours.

Everything Old Canada antique store blue and white dishes

The only downside? We were on our bikes with just one basket each instead of having a car, so I had to be selective. I did pick up a few goodies though, and I’ll share those with you next week, along with some fresh photos from this year’s visit.

Everything Old Canada antique store crocks
Everything Old Canada antique store

For now, I’m showing you pictures from last year’s trip since I didn’t have time to edit the new ones before publishing today.


LAST CHANCE!

Today’s the final day of the Revival Rug’s SHOP MORE – SAVE MORE Sale.

Save up to 25% off your order!
I’ve loved every Revival rug I’ve brought into our cottage—they’re beautiful, durable, and cozy underfoot. If you’ve been thinking about adding one to your home, now’s the time.


“Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.” – Unknown

fall plants at the nursery

I was looking back at some of the photos I took last year while shopping for my fall containers, and it reminded me just how much I love this season.

fall plants in the back of the car

As much as I enjoy summer window boxes and pots, there’s something about autumn flowers and foliage that makes such a stunning statement in the garden or on the patio.

fall plants in containers

I’ll be running late on planting this year (fingers crossed the nurseries and garden centers still have some left when we get home), but honestly, that just gives me one more thing to look forward to.


Let’s Plan Your Dream Garden With Our

Gardening Planner

Unlock Your Garden’s Potential.


get cozy and creative this fall

Don’t miss this $9.99 fall deal!

The Fall Into Fabulous Digital Bundle won’t be here forever—and neither will this price.

You’ll get:
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🍂 Normally $375+ value
🍂 Yours today for $9.99 with code FALLFUN

living room decorated for fall

Are you looking for simple fall coffee table decor ideas? The coffee table is the heart of the living room, and it’s the perfect spot to add a little seasonal charm. With just a few fall elements and decorative accents, you can transform your table into a cozy fall table centerpiece that ties your whole room together…CONTINUE READING.

bright colored tulips growing in the raised beds on front of the greenhouse

Did you know that those beautiful flowering bulbs you enjoy each spring are planted in the fall? I’ll share 10 tips for planting flowering bulbs in the fall to set your spring garden up for success…CONTINUE READING.

cottage style living room decorated for fall

Are you looking for some warm, cozy neutral fall decor ideas? Tour my home and discover some quick tips and ways to decorate your home for autumn, creating the warm and comfy cottage haven you’ve always dreamed of…CONTINUE READING.

dahlias

LET’S GO SHOPPING FOR

Garden Supplies and Tools

Check out my favorite garden supplies and tools for the growing season. Whether you’re looking for potting soil or deer repellent, you’ll find what I use in my own garden.


My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

This is the cutest country home!

Embrace the essence of fall with this hot apple cider recipe.

Check out these 30 recipes to cook in September.

This villa is in Kristin Mullen Designs’ portfolio and is gorgeous.

Here are some simple steps to harvest, store, and share hollyhock seeds.

This apple cider doughnut bread recipe with cinnamon sugar topping looks amazing!

You have to see this gorgeous home from Marie Flanigan Interiors’ portfolio.

See how you can make these DIY rustic pumpkin topiaries.

This easy braided pumpkin DIY.

If you have plenty of zinnias in the garden here’s a wreath you HAVE to make.

September garden and greenhouse overlooking the water view

Our next destination is Victoria, where we’ll spend a few days before making our way back to the U.S. I’m looking forward to exploring, taking in the city’s charm, and enjoying a bit more time on Canadian waters before we cross back.

The days may be shorter and the nights a little cooler, but September on the water is still every bit as special as August.

Until next time,

Wishing a wonderful week ahead,

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